Nordisk Teaterlaboratorium in Holstebro is breaking new ground when it comes to selecting works for the coming seasons as the primary network stage in Denmark, as it has teamed up with the Danish Talent Academy to let young talents from the Dance and Musical & Theatre lines be co-curators.
Just on the other side of the summer, Nordisk Teaterlaboratorium, along with 25 other theatres across the country, was selected to be a primary network theatre in Denmark, which means that the theatre must present at least four guest performances during the season. The selection is of course gratifying for Holstebro, but it also places an obligation on the theatre to present performances that can draw people to the theatre. Nordisk Teaterlaboratorium has therefore chosen to enter into a partnership with the Danish Talent Academy, where part of the selection task in terms of what to show is given to the young talents on the dance and musical & theatre lines.
Theatre Director Per Kap Bech Jensen says: ‘If we want young people to participate, they must also have a real influence on what is shown. Having the Danish Talent Academy in our backyard is a gift in terms of giving young people undergoing artistic training a co-ownership and voice in relation to what moves them’.
Holstebro is located in West Jutland, but despite this, it's not far from thought to action. It didn't take long to convince line managers Lene Bonde from dance and Kim Harris from musical & theatre that this was an obvious opportunity to give the young students an extra dimension to their personal education in the arts.
Lene Bonde, manager for DTA Dance, says: ‘At DTAdans we are very excited and grateful for Nordisk Teaterlaboratorium's idea and the great collaboration that brings our students closer to the world of performing arts. It is a unique opportunity for young people to be an active part of the selection process and we look forward to helping bring more relevant and inspiring performances to Holstebro. The collaboration is a strong example of how we can work together to create cultural experiences that make a difference in our city.’
Kim Harris, line leader of the Musical & Theatre line at the Danish Talent Academy, adds: ‘I am incredibly happy about the collaboration we are now entering into with NTL. Allowing the students to co-curate the performances to be chosen will be part of the teaching programme. As well as getting students to reflect on what they themselves would find interesting. At a time when it can be difficult to get young people into the theatre, it's really good for NTL to get young people involved and be heard.’
The Primary Network Stage scheme aims to ensure that smaller theatre works reach the whole country in a sustainable way. By participating, Nordic Theatre Lab commits to presenting at least four different works per season over the next three years. The initiative is supported by the Danish Arts Foundation.
